Shooting Star and Swallow's Song

Stephinitely

Alex tried to put off texting Steph until the girl at least had enough time to reach the record store. As much as she wanted to text Steph the minute she left, it didn't seem like a good idea. She guessed that Steph wouldn't mind, but Alex didn't want to come across as desperate and clingy.

Just as she was trying to calculate how long it might take to walk to the record store while she lay in the bed, a text appeared from Steph. Her face lit up at the sight.

Steph: Hey there 2021 bread toss champion. Want to hang out with Ryan, Char, and Riley tonight? Maybe drinking? Maybe games? Maybe drinking games? No pressure, we can always do it another day, but let me know as soon as you decide.

Her joy became uncertainty. While being welcomed into a group without question sounded amazing, she didn't want to feel like a poor replacement for her brother. Even getting past that worry, her excitement was tempered by how much she already felt overwhelmed.

I don't want to disappoint Steph. She said no pressure, but it sounds like she really wants to do this and maybe I do too, but...can I handle it? She gave me an out, but maybe if I just drank a little I might relax. Yeah...maybe it'll be fine. Steph'll be there for me. She wouldn't just ignore me and only talk to her friends. And...I'm her friend too now. She said. Yeah...if Steph is there, I'll be okay. Just have to tell her.

She stared at her phone, unmoving.

Come on...trust Steph. She'll take care of you.

She felt so certain of it.

The way she looks at me sometimes...it might not be what I want it to be, but it means something...it's always like...a promise.

Alex was vividly picturing one of those moments when their eyes just met and locked. Their faces so close...

Why does it still feel like there's something more there? But then the next minute Steph is trying to move so fast past that moment, like she doesn't want to have anything to do with it. Am I so wrapped up in my feelings that I can't tell the difference between a shared moment and my own infatuation?

Alex decided it was better to not answer that question and instead began her reply text. After a few attempts at starting a response, she finally sent it.

Alex: Sounds fun to me. What time?

A response came fairly quick.

Steph: Sweet! 8:30

Steph: I'll still bring dinner, but we'll bring it to my place. I need to clean up before.

Alex thought for a second, wondering why were they doing it at Steph's place. The only guess she had was that it was where they always did it. Her curiosity got to her.

Alex: So why at your place? That the usual hang out?

Steph: We rotate but I wanted to force myself to clean

Alex: Smart

Alex: So I get to watch you clean?

Steph: I was thinking we could attach some hooks on the ends of your crutches to pick up stuff

Alex: So thoughtful

Steph: Always thinking of you for sure

Alex's heart skipped a beat.

Steph: Hey, you sure you'll be okay huffing it to my place? It's not far, but you aren't exactly that mobile these days.

Alex was still rereading the shorter previous text.